Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Osborn.
Hi Tiffany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started playing violin at the age of three and continued through high school and beyond. At some point, I figured out violin wasn’t just for classical music; it could be part of a band too, particularly indie bands playing sad songs- I can make them that much sadder. I was fortunate enough to be able to tour the country and Europe with bands such as Bright Eyes, M. Ward, and Azure Ray. In between tours, I took a series of terrible restaurant and catering jobs because of their flexibility. One year, I got a job teaching groups of kids violin after school in Chicago, and I fell in love with teaching. I loved being with the kids, I loved helping find tools to solve problems, and I loved helping shape these humans into beautiful people who could play beautiful music.
From that point on, I started working on the art and craft of teaching. I started taking as many teacher training classes as I could (and still do! Like learning any art, you are constantly honing your skills). My early teacher trainers and my second teaching job at a music conservatory inspired me to do more. I always knew opening my own music school was the end goal, but relocating to LA, having two kids, the pandemic it was setback after setback on moving that dream forward. In the fall of 2022, everything aligned to set up shop and start welcoming kids into my new music school, and it’s been gaining traction since then!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think any roads are smooth! But I will say since opening the Pacific School of Music, it has been much more challenging than I anticipated. I’ve never had to advertise to get students before, but now that I’m in charge of five teachers having full schedules, I have had to figure out how to get the word out that we are here! One of my New Year’s resolutions is to do a better job posting from the Pacific School of Music social media accounts. I’ve also been going out to the Atwater Framer’s Market and having kids play, as well as setting up an “instrument petting zoo” for people to try out the violin and keyboard. Since we’re so new, not everyone knows we’re here yet! And that has been the hardest part.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my 13 years in LA, I have become a specialist in teaching very young kids to play in violin. I work in two Montessori schools that have kids from 2.5-6 years old, and each of them study violin. Also, having experience with my own two kids has been invaluable as well. I use a fun and engaging method to teach not only the skill of playing an instrument but also life skills such as frustration management, long-term goals, building a plan step by step, and daily dedication to a craft. I also above all else want playing music to be fun! When we’re performing, our first goal is to bring joy to the audience, our second goal is to have fun. With that in mind, we can’t fail!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I try to surround myself with people who know more than I do and pick up any of the crumbs they drop! I’m always taking classes, attending workshops, and any other social events to meet other teachers, parents, and other smart people. If you’re not learning, you’re wasting your time! I also follow social media accounts that teach things, form tips on playing, teaching, and positive parenting- I use quite a lot of those ideas in my teaching!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pacificschoolofmusic.org
- Instagram: @pacificschoolofmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pacific-School-of-Music/100086356689108/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Maria Taylor, Ann Ploeger, Spin Magazine
